Chronic Illness and Roe

In case you live under a rock the Supreme court (SCOTUS) overturned Roe v Wade this morning. Roe granted abortion rights to women and people who can become pregnant. You might ask your self what this has to do with diabetes, turner syndrome, and me. Well I am here to explain that to you dear reader (I just caught up on Bridgerton). Just to be clear on where I’m coming from, I think whether or not someone gets an abortion should be a choice between a person’s health care provider and themselves, like any healthcare decision. Abortions are too complex an issue to make blanket legislation around them. It’s not black and white like people want it to be. So now that we have that out of the way. Let’s go…

First of all pregnancy for me would be extremely high risk. Having turner syndrome means I am at higher risk for coarctation of my aorta. I have to get an echo and a MRI/MRA every 5-10 years or so to make sure my aorta isn’t going to explode. Pregnancy exacerbates this risk. When you add in type 1 diabetes and hypothyroidism my pregnancy would be considered very high risk and there is real risk of life threatening (or ending) complications. Right now I’m not sure I even want to take on that risk. No matter how much I have always wanted to carry a child. I’d rather adopt and be alive to raise my child than risk dying trying to carry one. Whatever I decide, because of the risks I would like that decision to be up to me, my future husband, and my healthcare team. Choosing to start a family is a big, life changing decision. Whether it’s good or bad. It’s life changing. Luckily while turner syndrome brings high risk pregnancy, it also means the chances of a spontaneous pregnancy are slim to none. We are talking Jesus working miracles level chances. So hopefully there will be nothing that isn’t planned. Which brings me to my second point…

I was told at 15 years old I could not have children. The story of how insensitive the doctor was in telling me this is a story for another day. Should I choose to take on the risks of carrying a pregnancy my only option is IVF with an egg donor. While it is too early to tell what effects overturning Roe will have on fertility treatments there is a good chance it is going to change things and not for the better. At least according to those who work in the field.

My last thought is how overturning Roe is opening a door to overturning other supreme court decisions that have to do women’s health issues (and people with uteruses). Justice Thomas wrote in a concurring opinion today the Supreme court should reconsider Griswold (as well as Obergefell which deals with gay marriage)which dealt with contraception. While I used to be the person who thought others were overreacting when they shouted about Roe being at risk I was proved wrong. Everything is on the table with this court. I have been taking birth control as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) since I was 12. It’s how women with turner syndrome go through puberty. You might roll your eyes and think why is it so important you go through puberty? Periods suck anyway. It’s the mental impact. Being the friend who hasn’t gotten their period yet is uncomfortable. More importantly replacing the estrogen I am lacking protects and prevents osteoporosis. IDK about other people but I would like not to become immobile due to hip fractures at a young age. I want to do everything I can to protect my bones so I can live a long, active, independent life.

My healthcare choices are already dictated by what my insurance covers so I would like to keep whatever choices I have left when it come to MY healthcare. I want every person to be able to make a choice this is right for them. That’s the simplest way I can sum up this issue. Healthcare is a deeply personal decision and abortions are healthcare. So kindly, get out of my uterus.